Brooke’s Bad Approach to Memoir in Other Desert Cities
Essays / Nonfiction / Family / Featured / Memory / Plays / Musicals / Writing

Brooke’s Bad Approach to Memoir in Other Desert Cities

As an essayist I was excited to see Other Desert Cities at Arena Stage the other night. The play concerns a young woman named Brooke who, after a serious run-in with depression, reveals to her family that she’s writing a memoir about them. Well, not is writing. Has written. And not just any American family … Continue reading »

Gigi Returns to Broadway and I Cringe
Musicals / Plays / Musicals

Gigi Returns to Broadway and I Cringe

In March, producers announced a Gigi revival will head to Broadway for the 2014-15 season. It will feature an adaptation by playwright and Emmy-nominated screenwriter Heidi Thomas. Eric D. Schaeffer will direct. I’m excited to see Schaeffer’s name attached. A Broadway veteran, he’s also the artistic director of Signature Theatre, the Tony Award-winning hub for … Continue reading »

Scenes

The Tragic Heroine

[The following scene is copyrighted; but if you'd like to use it for something, contact me!] The Tragic Heroine Characters: Professor Morris Amy, a student Setting: Northwestern University, present day (PROFESSOR MORRIS sits at her desk. AMY knocks and enters.) Prof. Morris: Hi, Amy. I suppose you know why I called you in here today. … Continue reading »

Drama Is Life: Camelot
Drama Is Life / Musicals / Plays / Musicals

Drama Is Life: Camelot

Setting Theater lobby, c. last week Characters Woman: 40s, theater-goer Man: 40s, woman’s companion, know-it-all Me: Your average musical-obsessed patron – (WOMAN, MAN, ME stand in line waiting for theater doors to open) Woman: (singing to herself) Camelot… Camelot… Man: What are you singing? Woman: “Camelot.” It’s a musical, I think. Man: You THINK? You THINK?!?! … Continue reading »